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THE WM. U. DAY PRINTING CO. 

PRINTERS, 

No, 103 S. Charles Street, 

TELEPHONE, 988. 

BALTIMORE, MD. 



LEARN HOW TO SWIM 

^^POINTERS^*- 

About Swimming and Aquatics. 



IN THE WATER! * OS THE WATER 

AND 

UNDER THE WATER ! 



Tb@ AutoMograpby of a Professiorjal Swimnjer. 



NTERESTING INCIDE[^S„/iJNp°"^'"°"' '""'"■ N 
l^\ EXPERIENCES^^'""" ' '^'^ ^' 

Hints and Suggestions to Beginners 



A BRIEF TREATISE ON SWIMMING. 



IBQ3 



3S 




Miss CLARA BECKWITH, 

Cl\aii\pioi\ Lady S-Win:\i]qei' of thie World. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



I tiave beeq as^ed to ^Yite n\y iliitobiogfaptiy, ar\d 
to ir\clud.G t]:\erGir\ a sirqple explar^atory treatise Upor\ tl^e 
subject of siAi'iir(L:(ir\g. Frorr\ carefiii observation ar[d 
Jr\vestigatior|, aqUatic sports are^ L[r\fortur\ately, too iqiicti 
ijeglectGd ar\d ir|differer\tly cor\sidered 0]i tt^is side of tl\e 
«R.tlar|tic. "^AfittioUt egotisrr^ or "self-praise," \\^]:\ic]:\ tl^e 
adage says is *' l:\alf scandal," I believe ti\at I cari jxistly 
clairq tt^e privilege of speaKirig aii.tl\oritatively Upor^ 
aquatic subjects, s^in|n|ir\g, especially. My sole purpose 
ir\ at all cor\sGr\tii|g to -write ii|y Rutobiograpl:iy as a 
s-Win^iqer, is to encourage an art tt\at ^itl\ir| itself erq- 
bodies t]:\e l\igl\est order of pljysical culture, i\ot or\ly 
largely cor\tributir\g to tl\e r€ter\tior[ of perfect J:\ealtti, but 
iiKe-wise affording so rqar^y opportunities for rational ar\d 
enjoyable diversion. If > ir[ tl^e recital of rqy experiences 
as a s-wirnn|er, I can arouse sufficient interest to encourage 
fiiqerican gii:'ls to follo\si tl\e exai^ple of tt^eir Englisii. 
cousins, I sl^all deerq rqy efforts ainply re\v?arded, 

CLRRR BECKWITH. 



■i 



THE LAND OF MY BIRTH. 



A BRIEF RBTROSPKCT. 



Having been authoritatively informed that I was 
born in Lambeth, England, October 26th, 1867, I have 
long since accepted that assurance with passive resigna- 
tion, and incidentally refer to this most important event 
in my life's history, only because I believe it to be a wise 
and excellent idea, when a task is undertaken, to com- 
mence right at the beginning. From my earliest 
recollection. " Water' ^ has been my paramount thought. 
Long before I cherished the remotest idea of entering 
the field of professional swimmers, I could, as the saying 
goes, ''swim like a duck.'" It must, however, be under- 
stood that I use the above quotation only in a compara- 
tive sense, because to swim absolutely like a duck would 
undoubtedly prove a disastrous venture for ordinary 
mortals. In my present condition of proficiency and 
confidence as an expert, pardon me for asserting that I 
can now swim better than a duck. During my pro- 
fessional career the press has generously conferred upon 
me many unique, but suggestive titles, among them, 
' ' The Modern Mermaid, " ' * Neptune' s favored daughter, ' 
''The Water Nymph' ' and "Naiad of the deep." I am 
grateful for the fact that my nature is not susceptible to 
flattery otherwise the success I have attained might 
have proved a question of serious doubt. 



Naturally I am proud of the distinction of being 
recognized as the ' ' Champion Lady Swimmer of the 
World,'" but my pride exists alone in the truth that 
my honors have been acquired by perseverance, hard 
work, and a determination to win unquestionable suc- 
cess in my life's vocation. 

'' Act well your part, there all the honor lies.'" 

Swimming as an art or as an amusement is strangely 
neglected. Every man and every boy should be able to 
swim — for who knows how soon the art may be called 
into operation for the saving of life, your own or that of 
another. And if swimming be useful and desirable for 
men and boys, why not also for women and girls? Go 
in the summer season to any watering-place you like, 
and for one bather who can swim, you will see twenty 
who are content to paddle in the shallows afraid to go 
a foot out of their depth. They have no distaste for the 
water, evidently; but they cannot swim; and hence are 
in danger from every wave. 



"LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON.' 



The desire and the ability to swim was born within 
me. My father, William Manning Be ckwith.oi Lambeth, 
England, maintained his position as Champion Swimmer 
of England for ten consecutive years, and only surren- 
dered his well earned and amply deserved honors, when 
the vigor and vital forces of life were on the ebb, and he 
realized that. his physical strength could be utilized to a 
more practical and consistent purpose. The title of 
Champion then devolved upon my brother William — 
''Like father, like son'' — for he has successfully defended 
it up to the present time. The professional careers of 
my father and brother have been a continued succes- 



sion of triumphs. In their many contests with noted 
swimmers, in which the conditions included almost 
every imaginable test of skill and endurance, they 
never experienced a single defeat. My younger 
brother, Charles, is also an excellent swimmer, but 
having no inclination nor ambition to become a pro- 
fessional expert, he swims just because he likes i^ 
and it comes natural. My sister Agnes, however, is 
an expert of high order, she has a record of swimming 
nine miles in the ocean, which remarkable feat is equa^ 
in exhaustion of energy, physical force and powers of 
endurance, to swimming fifteen miles in placid waters. 
This incidental reference to my family is given only 
because it has direct association with the days of my 
childhood, when the all-prevailing and never-ceasing 
home topics were "swimming," "swimmers," "swim- 
ming races," and "swimming exhibitions." Figuratively 
speaking, I was constantly ''in the swim,'" and have 
been in it ever since. 



MY FIRST PUBLIC APPEAKANCE, 



Having passed the days of my childhood under 
influences that developed but one earnest and innate 
thought, I naturally became deeply absorbed in the 
subject of swimming. I grew ambitious to distinguish 
myself in what I then believed to be the greatest and 
grandest accomplishment in the world. It must be 
remembered, that at this period I was but a mere child, 
scarcely 12 years of age. In the simplicity of thought 
I permitted my imagination to picture just such scenes 
and triumphs as have, under the process of natural 
evolution, been actually experienced. At first my 
ambition was modest, I desired only to equal the skill 
and proficiency attained by my sister, and to accomplish 



in the art of swimming, results only equal to her success. 
I had never taken a lesson in swimming, and yet with a 
confidence born of intuition, I boldly entered the water 
at the beach near my home and ''struck ouf for fame 
and glory. I started with the ''chest stroke,'' and was 




^.im 







THE CHEST STROKE. 

(Position previous to striking out.) 

not at all surprised to realize that I could swim almost 
without effort. It came natural. My first public ap- 
pearance occurred in England when I was but 13 years 
of age. My father was present and witnessed my 
exhibition. It was then he predicted that some day I 
would be recognized as the "Champion Lady Swimmer 
of the Wortdr Under his fostering encouragement, I 
determined to adopt swimming as the vocation of my 
life, and if possible to verify my father's flattering 
prediction. I issued daring challenges to all professional 



female swimmers. In my absolute confidence, strength- 
ened by the applause so liberally bestowed by the multi- 
tudes who had witnessed my first aquatic efforts, I could 
not resist the inclination to deem myself invincible, and 
under the inspiration of that belief I resolved to make a 
severe and vigorous test of my skill. My challenges 
issued in England were not accepted, notwithstanding 
the fact that they were personally authoritative, and 
continued in full force and effect for nearly two years. 
The title of Champion was then conceded to me, but 
with only limited opportunity to prove that it was 
justly merited. 



IN THE LAND OF THE FREE. 



Failing in my efforts to arrange for a contest, 
in England, I bade a long adieu to the dear ones at 
home; said farewell to Lambeth and its fond associa- 
tions, came to America about eleven years ago, and 
established my residence in Boston. Having fairly 
won a reputation ''on the other side of the Atlantic ^^ 
as the *' World' s Champion Lady Swimmer,' ' my arrival 
in America soon became widely heralded, and the 
announcement of my challenges promptly disclosed my 
purpose. Two long and anxious years elapsed ere an 
opportunity for a swimming contest was offered. My 
challenge was then accepted by Miss St. John, the 
conditions were to swim (against time) over a three and 
a-half mile course, from Little Orchard Island to Fort 
Independent and return. Miss St. John proved to be a 
clever, strong swimmer, but my greater muscular devel- 
opment and endurance enabled me easily to defeat her. 
Some months later a novel match was arranged. It was 
a six days' contest. My opponents were six profes- 
sional lady swimmers, each to swim only one day, whilst 



I engaged to swim every day, contesting against them 
individually, and to singly swim more miles in the six 
days of the' match than the total miles accomplished by 
my six opponents. The swimmers were Misses Cora 
Rogers, Annie Fern, Bertha Goodwin, Anna McVeigh, 
Kate Anderson, and Mary Roberts. The total number 
of miles accomplished by the six ladies above mentioned 
was 63^. My record was 74^^ miles. I could have 
added five miles to my score, but the conditions of the 
race did not justify the extra exertion. 



SHE'S DROWNING! SHE'S SINKING! 



r My sextuple victory as described in the preceding 
chapter, of course, added. prestige to my name and fame. 
My ; confidence increased, my challenges were now 
couched in more defiant terms than ever. I made, the 
art of swimming a life study, and became so proficient 
in various aquatic manipulations on the water's surface 
that the greatest difficult}^ I experienced was to sink 
or keep myself under the water. During my leisure 
hours I practised many original swimming feats, and 
finally conceived the idea to include in my exhibitions a 
vivid and realistic representation of the struggles of a 
drowning person. After a few private and exclusive 
experiments, I was prepared to startle the people and 
determined to make my illustration as exciting as 
possible. Of course, my purpose was unknown. A 
great crowd had assembled to witness what had been 
advertised as a novel exhibition of aquatic sports. After 
successfully performing several of my most difficult feats, 
I. suddenly gave a despairing cry, assumed a confused 
and distressed expression, and after a brief and seem- 
ingly hopeless struggle, I permitted myself to sink 
A.gain coming to the surface, my struggles became more 



pronounced, I heard the bustle of excitement among the 
spectators. "She's drowning ! She's sinking ! Get a 
rope !" Several gentlemen had removed their coats 
and vests, preparatory to my rescue. I then thought 
the commotion had lasted long enough; so assuming the 
easy and restful position of floating, I smilingly waved 
my compliments and thanks to the astounded multitude. 
When the good-natured spectators realized that it was all 
a hoax and that they had been cleverly "sold,' I was 
gratified to hear their cordial shouts of approval. 

.After waiting patiently for additional acceptances 
of my challenge by female swimmers, I finally and reluc- 
tantly concluded there were none who desired to oppose 
me, I then arranged a six days' race with Lkavitt, 
the Champion Swimmer of Lowell, Mass To my sur- 
prise and disappointment Leavitt retired from the con- 
test after the first day. He was a fair swimmer, but 
lacked rapidity of movement and the enduring powers so 
essential to all professionals. Since my contest with 
Leavitt my claim to the title of Champion Lady Swim- 
mer of the H^(3r/^ has been undivSputed, and is conceded 
by all male and female professionals- 



SAVING HUMAN LIFE, 



THRKK RESCUES FROM DROWNING. 



During the past few years I have been giving exhi- 
bitions in Boston, Lowell and throughout the New 
England States. A feature of my exhibition at Peak's 
Island, Portland, Maine, was diving from the upper deck 
of a moving steamer, a distance of nearly fifty feet, to 
the water. For a few moments I was lost to view in the 
foamy surging waves, but not for an instant did I lose 
presence of mind or confidence in the success of my 



venture. I solemnly realize that my health, strength, 
agility and powers, as a professional swimmer, are given 
to me by my Supreme Master, and I am grateful that 
through His Divine will I have been instrumental in 
saving the lives of three drowning persons. These 
rescues have repaid me a thousand fold for the years of 
hard work and effort to perfect myself in the art of 
swimming. My combined accomplishments as an expert 
swimmer are as nothing compared with the happy 
satisfaction I experience in . the knowledge that with 
God's aid, I have saved human life. 

THE THREE RESCUES. 
I was a passenger on the steamer ''Hunter,'*'' 
crossing the Bay of Funday. The steamer was speeding 
in rough waters at the rate of thirteen knots an hour. 




A storm seemed imminent. I was on the upper deck, 
enjoying the awe-inspiring aspect, a little child was 



leaning over the steamer's low guard-rail. There were 
at least twenty passengers on deck watching the gather- 
ing of dark and threatening clouds. I had casually 
noticed the ''youngster,'" and was about to retire to the 
cabin. As I turned toward the stairway, the steamer 
lurched heavily, and the child dashed headlong over the 
rail into the seething waters. In an instant I realized 
the situation. If it were possible to save the child, it 
must be done quickly. No time could be lost in 
removing skirts. Commending myself to the care and 
protection of Providence, I leaped overboard and was 
soon by the side of the drowning boy. My water- 
soaked skirts somewhat impeded my rapid progress, 
but my skill and physical powers proved masters 
of the trying situation. I sustained the child above 
water fully twenty minutes before assistance could be 
rendered. The steamer stopped, then backed, and when 
near enough a boat was quickly lowered and we were 
rescued, or rather I should say the child was safe. He 
proved to be the son of parents who were enjoying their 
vacation at Halifax, N. S. 



I was enjoying a quiet and social stroll in company 
with a friend, at Crescent Beach, Mass., when my 
attention was attracted by the shouts of a crowd of men 
gathered upon a floating raft near the shore. Some 
distance beyond the raft I observed an elderly man 
struggling in the water. In an instant I realized that he 
was drowning and was already in that dazed and bewild- 
ered condition, which is a sure indication of loss 
of self-control. I waded in until the water was deep 
enough to permit me to swim. A few swift strokes 
brought me within reaching distance of the struggling 
man, when, without ceremony or apology, I seized him 
vigorously by the hair. In return for my good inten- 
tions, the old gentleman grasped me by the throat, and 



it was only by the exercise of my utmost physical 
strength that I forced him to relax his hold. It was the 
clutch of a drowning man. The strain upon me was 
terrible, The weight of my drenched skirts served 
only to increase my difficulty in effecting the rescue. 
I finally succeeded in towing my prize to shallow water 
and in another moment had him safely on the beach. 



On the pier at a famous summer resort I was 
enjoying the salt air breezes one charming day near the 
hour of twilight. The pier extended far out from the 
beach and was popularly appreciated as a cool and 
inviting promenade. In the midst of a merry group of 
young ladies, there suddenly occurred a commotion, 
heightened by several piercing shrieks. My intuition 
instantly advised me that some one had fallen from the 
pier. The surf was heavy, and at that distance from 
the beach the undercurrent was strong and exceedingly 
dangerous. The victim in this instance was a boy, 
probably not more than fourteen years of age. He sank 
almost as soon as he touched the water. Without con- 
sidering the possible consequences, I plunged (skirts 
and all) into the great sea of waves, and exerting my 
utmost strength and efforts I succeeded in reaching the 
child just as he was about to disappear for the third 
time. It was only after a most desperate struggle that 
I reached terra firma safely with the now unconscious 
lad. He was soon revived, I never saw him on the 
pier again. 



THE PHYSICAL CULTURE 

AND 

HYGIENE OF SWIMMING. 



It is my earnest wish in reciting incidents of my 
^'life in the water,'' to consistently avoid all semblance 
of egotism and self-laudation. This endeavor I find to 
be the greatest obstacle in giving intelligent and truth- 
ful illustrations of the varied experiences I wish to 
relate. The subject of swimming has been my all 
absorbing thought. To me it seems boundless, inex- 
haustible. It is no exaggeration to assert that I am 
perfectly contented and "at home" in the water. I love 
its cooling, bracing and invigorating influences, and 
should I fail to experience its refreshing pleasures even 
for a single day, I weuld almost deem that day a blank 
in my existence. Among the greatest benefits I have 
derived from swimming is the remarkable preservation 
of my health in all seasons, and under all conditions of 
changing climate, diet and surroundings. It is, there- 
fore, not surprising that I claim the art of swimming, or 
rather the ability to swim, as the highest type of 
physical culture. During the past eleven years I have 
not experienced a day's sickness. I therefore most 
enthusiastically urge upon my sex the importance of 
adopting swimming as a method of physical develop- 
ment. It is not necessary that you should engage to 
become a "champion," or even an expert swimmer. 



The benefits" tO' be derived from a reasonable and con- 
sistent practice of tli.e aquatic art are immeasarable. It 
is a remarkable trntb that when natural timidity, fear and 
undue nervousness are overcome, and we gradually 
acquire the spirit of self-reliance and courage, we 
become brave and courageous in all things. It is the 
inspiration of self-confidence that seems to cling to us 
through life, as a direct result of increased vita! 
force, and a perfectly healthful condition of mind and 
body, I sincerely believe that if every girl would learn 
to swim and practice it daily, or whenever a convenient 
opportunity presented itself, that there would be no 
necessity for any other system of physical training for 
women. As an exercise, it brings into motion every 
muscle of the body, making them 3delding and expan- 
sive, and daily developing the natural powers of 
endurance. My only physical exercise has been and is 
that of swimming. The result is that I do not know 
what it is to be ill. My present weight is 156 pounds; 
my height 5 feet, 4 inches, and without any great 
exertion or straining I can lift a dead weight of 200. 
pounds. 

A FEW INCIDENTAL COMMENTS. 
The water in the swimming pool or aquarium, in 
which my exhibitions are usually given, is heated to a 
temperature of 92°. On retiring from the pool I go at 
once to my dressing room, which is heated several degrees 
greater than the water's temperature. When dressed, 
I am ready to ''go out doors" in the coldest weather 
without experiencing any result save increased vigor 
and a remarkable bouyancy of health. It has been a 
matter of surprise to me to observe that there are so few 
conveniences in America for practicing swimming. It 
is no exaggeration to assert that in England fully three- 
fourths of womankind can swim. They appear to 
encourage the practice as a gymnastic exercise. There 



are immeToiis public and private baths, also swimming 
pools connected with public and private schools, open 
the entire 5^ear. The beneficial results are so self- 
evident that no other argument in favor of swimming as 
a means of physical culture is deemed necessary. 



HINTS TO BEGINNERS, 



Don't try to learn swimming at the ocean beach, 
the seashore, nor where the surf is heavy. 

Take your first lessons in a swimming pool or nata- 
toriura where the facilities and surroundings are safe. 

Seek first of all to gain confidence , and do not attempt 
^'the strokes" until you realize that you're not afraid of 
the water. 

A timid person, who from any cause becomes ner- 
vous or unduly excited, is apt to encourage "cramps." 

When you become used to the water and feel the 
inspiration of self-confidence, then you are in condition 
learn the chest stroke, upon which devolves the prime 
and fundamental principle of swimming, and which 
must be acquired before any other stroke, or manipula- 
tion is attempted. I employ the chest stroke in per- 
forming such feats as turning somersaults under the 
water, and in swimming with one leg out of the water. 
The chest stroke will be more fully explained in my 
general comments on swimming. Just here I shall 
merely add that it expands the chest and lungs and 
strengthens the wrists and shoulders. 



SAVIMMING IS EASY TO LEARN. 



There is no difficulty in learning how to swim. 
It is almost as easy to float as to sink; and a little prac- 



tical knowledge would prevent any man or boy from 
sinking. The one great requisite is confidence. That 
acquired, all the rest is comparitively easy. 

It is almost as natural for a man as it is for a dog to 
swim. The one indispensable requisite is a confident 
belief that you cannot sink while you keep your hands 
under water and your legs the least in motion. You 
must begin at the beginning, in this as in everything 
else. 

All animals swim without effort. They use the 
same, or almost the same, action in swimming as they 
do in walking or running. Man, how^ever, has to use a 
kind of action in water impossible to him on land. 



DON'T BE AFRAID, 



The only obstacle to improvement in this beneficial 
and life-preserving art is fear; and it is only by over- 
coming this timidity that you can expect to become 
a master of the art. It is very common for novices in 
the art of swimming to make use of corks or bladders 
to assist in keeping the body above water. These may 
be of service for supporting the body while one is learn- 
ing what is called the stroke, or that manner of drawing 
in and striking out the hands and feet that is necessary 
to produce progressive motion. But you will never 
swim until you can place confidence in the power of 
the water to support you; I would, therefore, advise all 
beginners to acquire that confidence first of all, 
especially as I have known persons who have, by a 
little practice necessary for that purpose, learned the 
stroke without knowing it. The practice I refer to is 
to select a place where the water deepens gradually, 
walk slowly into it till it is up to your breast, then face 
the shore. To encourage yourself to do this calmly, 



reflect that your progress will be from deep to shallow 
water, and that at any time you may raise your head 
far above the water by bringing your legs under you and 
standing on the bottom. Now plunge under with your 
eyes open. In this attempt you will find that the water 
buoys you up, and that it is not so easy to sink as you 
imagine. Thus, you will appreciate the supporting 
power of the water, and learn to confide in that power. 



PKESENCE OF MIND, 



I think I shall satisfy you that your body is lighter 
than water, and that you might float in it a long time 
with your mouth free for breathing, if you would place 
5'ourself in proper position, keep still and forbear 
struggling. 

If a person unacquainted with swimming, and falling 
accidentally into the water, could have presence of mind 
sufiicient to avoid struggling and plunging, and to let 
the body take a natural posture, he might continue safe 
from drowning till help should come. 

I would not advise you, or any one, to depend on 
having this presence of mind on such an occasion, but 
learn fairly to swim, as I wish all were taught to do in 
their youth. You would then on many occasions, be safer 
for having that skill, and free from painful apprehen- 
sions of danger, to say nothing of the enjoyment of 
swimming as a delightful exercise. 



SLOW AND STEADY IS THE KULE. 



Plain swimming is a perfectly easy and simple 
operation. Keep your hands open, with the palms 
rather concave and the fingers close together, so that no 



water can pass through them. Naw lean with your 
chest on the water, and as you throw your arms forward 
your body will assume a horizontal position, just beneath 
the surface. With slow and steady actio-n let the legs- 
follo-w the motion of your arms, or rather,, act simulta- 
neously with them. Then spread the hands so as ta 
describe a half-circle, the elbows coming close to the 
body, and then to the chest. A few yards is all you 
will accomplish at first. If you feel any inconvenience 
by the water entering your mouth, close your lips, and it 
cannot get in. As you progress, the management, of the 
breath will cause you neither trouble nor anxiety, just 
keep your head up, hold your body straight, your limbs 
extended and your breath will take care of itself. Slow 
and steady is the rule in learning; swiftness will be cer- 
tain to come with practice. 



DON'T LOSE YOUR KEKVE. 



Keep your head well up, and, in getting ready for 
each successive stroke, draw back the legs by a simul- 
taneous motion. Keep the feet wide apart, with the 
toes well turned out; and as you send out the arms kick 
the legs backwards and sideways to their full extent, 
keeping them separate till they have described as wide 
a circle as possible, the legs coming close together at 
the end of each stroke. Press against the water with 
the sole of the foot and not with the toes, and you will 
make more easy and rapid progress. 

If the young swimmer be at all nervous, he should 
get assistance from a friend. A good assistant will be 
found in a heavy plank on which the beginner may rest 
his hands occasionally, and' so sustain himself, or push it 
before him as he proceeds. There is no necessity for 



going out of your depth, for great depth of water is not 
necessary for ordinary plain swimming, 

AVOID RASHNESS AND TIMIDITY. 

First of all, let me tell you that swimming cannot 
be taught on paper. 

In choosing a bathing place, the swimmer should 
avoid deep ponds, reedy and weedy streams and rapid 
rivers, he must equally avoid excitement, rashness and 
timidity. His best plan is to go with a friend, and take 
'his first lesson without hurry or anxiety. 

In taking your first dip, walk quietly into the bath 
until the water is about up to your waist. Then paddle 
about till you get thoroughly accustomed to what we may 
call the ''feel" of the water. This will give you 
confidence, and you will soon become aware of the 
fact that your body is lighter than the water it displaces, 
and that it has a constant tendency to lift you off your 
feet. 

Now is the time to 'Uake a duck,'' so as to thor- 
oughly immerse yourself. Rise without hurry or ner- 
vousness and turn your face to the shore. Bring your 
hands together, palm to palm, and attempt your first 
stroke by spreading them outwards, and at the same 
moment throw the legs wide apart. An excellent plan 
is for a friend or instructor to place his hand just under 
the pupil's chest. This gives him confidence. He will 
soon learn that he can sustain himself in the water 
without assistance, which means that he can swim. 



PERSEVERE AND YOU WILL SUCCEED. 



In your first attempt, you will do little more than 
kick your legs and arms about, and perhaps make a 
stroke or two; in a few days, however, you will become 



bolder and perhaps make three, four, or half-a-dozen 
strokes. Persevere and you will succeed. A little 
assistance from a friend's hand, occasionally, under the 
chin or the chest will be useful. 

The first to learn is a strong, steady stroke. This 
will be best accomplished by means of the chest stroke. 
The swimmer throws himself upon the water and leans 
upon it, with his chest, at the same time keeping 
his feet wide apart and as near the surface as possible 
without actually allowing them to be above water. The 
hands should be open, of course, but the fingers and 
thumb should all be close to each other so as to hold the 
water, much in the way the blade of an oar holds it in 
the act of rowing. The whole body should be kept as 
flat and as straight as possible, the strokes taken with- 
out hurry or splash. 

Of course, there are many who will never become 
swimmers, try as hard as they may. I have seen many 
a mature-looking individual hopping about with one leg 
on the bottom while making frantic movements with the 
arms, and never accomplishing a single stroke. Such 
people never get over the initial step. 



SWIMMING ON THE BACK. 



Perhaps the easiest way of supporting the body in 
the water is to float, or to swim on the back. Easy, 
that is, after the method is once acquired. ** The water 
washing over my face '^ says a friend, describing the 
operation , ' ' somewhat frightened me at firsts and I 
floundered about a good deal, waving my arms and filling 
my mouth with water. But I soon overcame my difficulty. 
Standing with my face to the bank, I drew up my legs, 
and placing them against it, pushed -myself off into the 
stream, keeping m,y arms close to my sides.'' 



The beginner should keep his head to the billows, 
so as to rise and fall with them, otherwise the water may 
wash in a disagreeable manner over the face, as it did 
over mine. In fresh water it is not so easy to float; 
rather more exertion is required. 




SWIMMING ON THE BACK, 
In swimming on the back the position is the same 
as that in floating, except that the arms need not be 
stretched out. Keep the toes well turned out and the 
hands perfectly still and close to the sides, and you will 
find that you will not sink, though the water will come 
half over your face. 



FLOATING IS EASY. 



Floating is not by any means difficult if you can lie 
on your back without struggling. Keep your body as 



straight as you can, your chest well up, your arms 
extended -or stretched back_i>ver or under your head.- 
Very little movement of the limbs v*^ill keep the body on 
the top of the water, with just the face, the chest, .and 
top&of the knees above. .. , 




FLOATING. 
Being able to float a little and make a few strokes, 
you will by this time make the plunge without fear. 



TAKING A "HEADER.' 



The plunge is a safe and effectual way of entering 
the water, though at first it is just a little startling. 

If, however, you bend too much forward, you will 
probably turn a somersault. When you are in the water 
straighten the limbs, and you will almost immediately 
rise to the surface. 



TTie header can be made from almost any height. 
J. B. Johnson, the professional swimmer, made it from 
a parapet of London Bridge, and got a "booming'"' 
editorial in a morning paper for his daring. 

Of course, the faculty of diving from a height into 
the water is only to be acquired by long practice. The 
professional swimmers are^ all adept ,at this feat; and a 
very inspiring and thrilling feat it is. 




DIVING, OR TAKING A ''HEADER." 

In rising to the surface all 3^ou have to do is co raise 
your hands and strike downward with your feet; leaping 
in fact, to the surface. By merely keeping still, how- 
ever, and letting the body be upright, you will come to 
the surface, though not so rapidly. 



The depth to which yoti descend will, of course, 
depend on the amount of force employed in making the 
dive, the length of the run and the power of the dash. 
You need not be afraid of the depth; forthere is no more 
danger in twelve fathoms of water than there is in two. 
If you once acquire the confidence necessary to dive, 
you will be under no apprehension about coming to 
the surface again. 



PliAIK CHEST SWIMMUNTG. 



Keep both legs and arms in almost simultaneous 
motion. The heels should be drawn up to almost touch 
the body, and then struck outright and left, precisely as 
though you were going to kick in opposite directions. 
Bring the feet together again, and at the same time 
make a wide and forward sweep with the hands. 

To lessen the resistance of the water, point the toes 
downwards and keep the hands flat. In plain swimming 
you have to get all the support you can from the water; 
and by keeping the hands flat you necessarily increase 
the resting surface. 

Reach out with the hands as far as you can, and 
avoid the jerking motion you are unconsciously likely to 
fall into. Remember, also, that the main principle of 
swimming is steadiness and power. Rapidity will come 
with practice. Steadiness and endurance must be the 
first requisites of the young swimmer. 

Good, strong, steady, chest swimming is that which 
all beginners should practice; the chest-stroke first; the 
side-stroke when you are quite proficient. We must 
all walk before we can run. Running is very useful 
sometimes, but steady walking accomplishes greater 
distances. 



SIDE AND OVERHAXD STROKES. 

There are two practical styles of side swimming, 
known as the side-stroke and the over-hand. In both, 
the swimmer is on his side, and is able to make great 
progress in conseouence of the less resistance offered 
by his body. 




THE OVERHAND STROKE. 

In swimming competitions the side-stroke is very 
popular, as by it more rapidity is attained than by the 
regular breast-stroke. There is, also, in it an air of con- 
siderable grace and power of movement. 

Presuming that the learner can go on for a quarter of 
an hour without stopping with the regular chest-stroke 
he may then commence side swimming. This is the 
plan: Lay the face and body well down sideways in the 



water, with the mouth a little raised to enable you to 
breathe freely. Except the upper half of the face and 
the top of the shoulder the whole body is under water. 
It matters not which side you swim on, though most 
swimmers can go faster on one side than the other. The 
method of progress is precisely the same. The upper 
hand is used as a sort of cut-water, and with each stroke 
sent out as far as possible, the other hand resting on the 
side, or only brought occasionally into use as a rudder to 
steady the body. The legs are employed in the same 
way as in breast swimming, care being taken not to 
allow the upper leg to come above the surface. 




THE SIDE STROKE. 

The chief difficulty in side swimming is the manage- 
ment of the breath; for as the arm goes forward and 
downward, there is always a tendency for the head to 
sink lower and lower. The professional swimmer, to 



obviate this keeps his body as straight as possible, ai . 
occasionally gives his head a sort of wrench, as though 
to shake it free from the water. 

The method of proceeding is this: First, lift cjne 
hand out of the water, and swing the whole arm and 
shoulder through the air, with a sweep as far as possible 
in advance of the head. Then drop the arm sideways 
into the water, the palm of the hand downwards. It 
will be found, that the shoulder being so far advanced, 
the^body is thrown on its side the instant the hand 
reaches the water, and the opposite leg having been 
drawn up will be thrust back and the body propelled 
through the water. 




SWIMMING WITHOUT USING THE ARMS. 

Then move the extended arm backwards towards 
the hip, and when straight with it, raise it towards the 
water and repeat the swinging action of the arms and 
shoulder as before. 



The swimmer seems to be hurled forward with 
every sweep of the arm, and as stroke succeeds stroke, 
itUeems as though he were successively trying to seize 
something in front of him and drag himself along. Of 
course, the legs must be emplo3'ed as in regular chest 
swimming; the only difference being that one is higher 
up in the water than the other, and is apt to come upon 
the surface and waste its strength in the air. 

This method — and, indeed, any method — cannot be 
taught in a book. It must be practised in the water; 
and the practice must be constant. 

Swimming on the side is a pleasant and agreeable 
change from breast swimming. There is no need to 
attempt any particularly rapid action. Fast swimming, 
as I have already said, is much less important than 
endurance, and must not be forced. 



SWIMMING UNDER THE WATER. 



Whoever has witnessed a public swimming-match 
will have noted one very remarkable fact, namely, that 
nearly as much swimming takes place below as upon 
the surface. 

Swimming under water is as easy, or perhaps more 
easy than swimming on the surface. The method 
employed is precisely the same; and when the disagree- 
able feeling of total immersion is overcome, the plan is 
quite easy. 

Good practice in diving will soon make the amateur 
so familiar with the water as to enable him to do almost 
anything he likes. To accustom yourself to the sensa- 
tion of holding the breath under the surface, dip your 
head into a basin, and hold the face below while you 
mentally count from one to a dozen. Practice this fre- 
quently, and you will soon find that the time of immer- 



sion can be increased from a few seconds to a minute or 
more. You need not shut your eyes, though the natural 
tendency is to do so. When retaining your breath 
becomes painful, raise your head out of the water, inhale 
the air fully and rapidly, and repeat the experiment. 
• ^c" ~" --■■ ^ A 



SWIMMING UNDER WATER. 

Combined with the breast-stroke, the side-stroke, 
and the hand-over-hand-stroke, the swimmer may 
relieve himself by paddling like a dog or by imitating 
the frog — through, as I have already said, the imitation 
is, at best, but a poor one. 

Do not be discouraged by failure. Persevere daily 
in all the styles, and you surely will succeed. I do not 
pretend that every learner will become an accomplished 
swimmer; but certainly in a short time he will learn 
enough to guarantee for himself, the enjoyment of this 
healthful and delightful exercise. 



HOW TO TREAD WATER. 



Every swimmer should be able to Tread Water. 
By this term is understood the capacity for standing 
upright in the water and keeping the head above the 
surface. It is done thus:-Lower the limbs full length, and 
raise the hands just to the top of the water; then tread 
downwards with the feet fiat, as in going up a flight of 
stairs or exercising on a treadmill. I don't suppose 
that any of my readers have had the latter experience, 
but most of them know the sort of action necessary— a 
continual treading and stepping without progression. 




TREADING WATER. 

The toes should be kept closed to prevent the water 
passing between them. A slight movement of the hands 
on the surface will assist the the tread er in keeping 
upright. In this position you can remain some time, 



and by swaying the body a little to the right or the left, 
some slight progress may be made. You know the joke 
about a man being Webb-footed; well, perhaps, if a man 
were to put on a pair of thin, broad-soled shoes, or, 
better still, a pair of Canadian snow shoes, he might be 
better able to Tread Water more gracefully. 

Balancing. — A modification of the method of tread- 
ing water is useful when out of your depth and you wish 
to take a little rest. It requires confidence, but it is not 
difiicult of accomplishment. Lower your feet full length, 
let your head fall gently back till your chin is just level 
with the surface. The farther back the head is, the more 
perfect will be the balance. Some swimmers in this 
position can fold their arms and cross one foot over the 
other; but the general plan is to hold the arms under 
the water close to your sides, and merely turn the hands 
a little, like fins or paddles. The body must otherwise 
be quite at rest. When you wish to assume the hori- 
zontal position, raise your arms above your head and, at 
the same instant, give your feet an upward turn. In an 
instant you will be able to resume the ordinary float or 
to turn upon the breast and swim. 



WALKING OIV 3IY HANDS, 



UNDER THE WATER. 



Seemingly one of my most difficult aquatic acts is 
that of walking on my hands in the water, wuth the body 
extended upward, and feet projecting above the surface. 
This feat of course requires care and precision, but is 
otherwise easy. I am sure that I can walk upon my 
hands more skillfully, and with greater comfort, in the 
water than out of it, because the water materially 
assists in balancing tha b^dy. In performing this and 



other "under the water" feats, I keep my eyes open 
in order to see exactly where I am going and to avoid 
any object that might impede my progress. 



HOW TO RESIST CRAMPS. 



Swimmers are exposed to a muscular contraction 
which is known by the name of cramps — a contraction 
which renders powerless the limb it attacks. It is not 
necessary to be frightened at "cramps," as, with a little 
presence of mind, the evil is to be soon surmounted. 
When the swimmer feels the cramp in his feet or legs, he 
should forcibly stretch out the limb, and raise the foot up, 
or rather turn his toes up. This turning up of the toes 
is an almost certain cure for cramp. If, however, his 
efiforts do not succeed, he sliould throw himself on his 
back and float until assistance comes to him. The 
most important of all is to preserve presence of 
mind; for, even if the best swimmers give themselves 
up to fear of cramps, they court the same danger as 
those who do not know how to swim. 

It is seldom that the cramp is so severe as not to 
allow the swimmer to paddle ashore, or, at any rate, to 
rest for a while until the pain has passed away or 
assistance is rendered. 

If you find 3'ourself subject to cramp, do not 
go beyond 3^our depth. Or, if you feel disposed to do 
so, swim with a friend, for aid in case of necessity is all 
important. Kick out directly you find ihe pain coming 
on, and never mind what momentary agony may accom- 
pany the action. Don't hurry, but raise your leg out of 
the water and turn back your toes as far as you can. 
If these efforts do not promptly succeed, your com- 
panion should seize you. by the hair of the head, and 
push you before him to shore, regardless altogether of 



any resistance you may offer. Once on shore, rub the 
limb well with a hard towel or a handful of sand. 

It is impossible to say what causes cramp but I 
think I am not mistaken when I assume that it generally 
indicates a weak and debilitated state of health. 



KEMEMBEK THESE "POINTERS.' 



It is hardly necessary to say that salt water is more 
buoyant than fresh water, but though this is the case, 
swimming in it is more difficult, by reason of the waves, 
which are apt to be somewhat wild and contrary now and 
then. None but very good swimmers should venture 
far from the shore, though it is true that the waves 
nearest the shore are the most noisy and turbulent. 

Decidedly the most pleasant mode is to swim from 
a boat a good distance out. The boat, manned by a 
couple of good swimmers, should be provided with ropes, 
and fitted at the sides with small ladders, to enable you 
to get on board without difficulty. Notice the run of 
the tide, and swim towards land rather than out to sea. 
Watch the advance of each wave and dive below it 
rather than attempt to go through or over it. In diving 
make a good jump wide of the boat, and when tired 
relieve yourself by floating. 

Should a mass of water bear down upon you from 
behind, wait till it nearly reaches you, and then sud- 
denly dive and swim a little way under water, you will 
thus avoid being caught on the crest of the wave. It 
will generally be found that every third, sixth or ninth 
wave is larger and stronger than the others, and that 
every siich wave is followed by many small waves. In 
getting to shore, therefore, watch your opportunity, and 
land as soon as possible after the large wave has broken. 

Swimming through the surf may be sometimes 



necessary, though dangerous. Watch for the small 
waves, and make your effort at the calmest moment. 
If a big wave comes, dive; and directly it has passed,, 
swim; then dive again and swim again, and so proceed 
till your feet are safe on the sands. 

Directly you come ashore rub all over with a dry 
hard towel, and dress immediately alter. Never stand 
about, or you may take a chill that will not be easy to 
get rid of. 

The pupil having overcome the nervousness incident 
to all first attemps at swimming will soon find that it is 
much more easy to float than to sink; ,and this knowl- 
edge once acquired, he will have little difficulty in fol- 
lowing out any directions given him. If you find that 
you do not readily take to the water, then a good plan is 
to float a plank and push it easily before you, so that you 
can at any time seize it with your hands, as already 
stated. To support the body on the surface only very 
slight assistance is necessar3^ and any swimmer witk 
this knowledge can teach and assist others almost as 
efficiently as a professor. 

A friend may teach nearly as well as a professor; 
and that, too, without being himself a great or remark- 
able swimmer. There is no secret in the art of swim- 
ming. When once the pupil gets used to the water, he 
soon takes to plunging, diving, and swimming below it. 
The learner should be cautioned not to exert himself 
too much. It is useless to try at the first attempts that 
which can only come with practice Take it easily,, 
without hurry or bustle, and you will soon learn. 

There is no risk swimming in a natatorium, because 
there are always wideawake eyes to watch, and ready 
hands to rescue you at the least sign of danger. Reli- 
ance upon the teacher is the first practical lesson with 
which the learner's mind becomes familiar. 



OENERAL ADVICE— BRIEFLY STATED, 



One of the very first requisites for the swimmer who 
wishes to save his own life or that of another is to know 
liow to float; though, as you know, floating is by no 
means swimming. Remember that the water will sup- 
port the body if only you place yourself in the proper 
position. Many persons are drowned by not attending 
to a few simple and easily acquired rules. 

Exertion in the water is not requisite to preserve 
the body from sinking; all j^ou have to do is to lie on 
your back and keep your face above the surface, without 
attempting to imitate the action of the swimmer. Keep 
your hands under the water. As the waves pass over 
you, take advantage of the interval to renew the air in 
your chest. Keep the lungs as full of air as possible. 

Now these rules, fully carried out, will at any rate 
-prevent you from sinking. For you must recollect that 
keeping the lungs full of air is as good as tying a 
l)ladder round your neck or placing corks behind your 
shoulders. Remember also that the act of raising your 
hands above the surface, and struggling about, causes 
you to sink, while, by keeping them below, you can 
float till assistance arrives. The water in your ears will 
not hurt you, though it may cause a humming sound in 
your head. Nor is it necessary to close the eyes; for the 
water will not hurt them, beyond, perhaps, a slight 
tingling sensation. Endeavor by all means to preserve 
3^our presence of mind, and do not give way to terror or 
fright. 

So much for your owm safety. But in cases where 
it is necessary to save the life of a comrade or other 
person in danger of drowning, a different system must 
be pursued. The first and most important object is to 
bring your friend ashore. This is sometimes difficult, 
as drowning persons are very apt to grasp at and cling 



to you. Shakespeare tells us that drowning men catch 
at straws. Therefore beware of that catch, as it is very 
dangerous, both to the drowning man and to the res- 
cuer. When you reach the person in danger, go care- 
fully behind him, without letting him cling to or hold 
you. Then support his head with your hand under his 
chin, or your elbow under his arm. But at all hazards 
bring him ashore as quickly as possible, either above or 
below the water. Keep your man at arm's length, and 
prevent him from clinging to you. Then push him 
before you to shore. A very slight exertion will suffice 
to keep him from sinking. 

In cases where the person is insensible, any meaUvS 
of bringing him quickly ashore may be taken. Raise 
his head above the surface, and either push him before 
you, or support him with one arm while you swim with 
the other, or tread water, or swim on your back; but, 
in all cases, be prompt. While you display courage, 
you must beware of rashness. 

One great recommendation of swnmming is the 
cleanliness it enforces. Nothing so conduces to health 
as keeping open the pores of the skin. Swimming does 
this effectually. Cold water is an excellent tonic. 

The first plunge brings a grand reactionary feeling. 
The body is all in aglow, and a feeling of pleasure 
immediately follows. If you are cold in the water, 
and do not feel the glow, you may be sure that you are 
not in thoroughly good health, and therefore should not 
bathe — at any rate — not for any length of time. 

Directly you feel a chill, leave the water, and give 
yourself a good rubbing with a rough towel. 

Sea-bathing is more stimulating than fresh water 
swimming; but, whether in fresh or salt water, the 
exercise is highly commendable. 

Don't be content to simply " swim a little," 

Beware of weeds and floating grass. Be careful in 



talking that you do not wound the feet. Look well for 
sigas of quicksand; and do not bathe in a strange surf 
without an attendant. Do not stay too long in the water, 
nor allow the hot sun to pour down on your unprotected 
back or head. Above all, do not imagine that when 
you have read my book you have done anything more 
than prepared yourself, somewhat more effectually to 
receive your first practical lesson. 



DR. FRANKLIIV'S "KITE" STORY. 



Dr. Franklin tells a tale about being drawn through 
the water by means of a kite. When a boy, he one day, 
amused himself, he says, by holding the string of his 
flying kite, and while floating on his back, was drawn 
by it across a lake. He was so successful that he tried 
it again and again; and finally expressed himself confi- 
dent that by such means a man might cross the English 
Channel ! The kite voyage, I take it, was but a dream; 
for in an American book I have seen it seriously stated 
that the philosopher COUI.D not swim at ali.. 



As a fitting ending to our swimming gossip I will 
recite the following from Cheever's " Island World in 
the Pacific:" 

" It was on the same track by which we have thus 
gained safely our island home that a swimming feat was 
performed a few years ago by a native woman in peril, 
which surpasses all other achievments of the kind on 
record. When about midway between the outmost 
points of Hawaii and Kahoolawe, or thirty miles from 
land on either side, a small island vessel, poorly man- 
aged and leaky (as they generally are), suddenly shifted 
cargo in a strong wind, plunged bows under, and went 
down, there being on board between thirty and forty 



persons, and a part of them in the cabin. This was just 
after dinner on Sunday. The natives who happened to 
be on deck were at once thrown into the waves, with 
no means of escape but their skill in swimming. A man 
by the name of Mauae, who had conducted the Sab- 
bath service with the people, now called them around 
him in the water, and implored help. Then, as a strong 
current was setting to the North, making it impossible 
for them to get to Hawaii, whither they were bound, they 
all made, in different ways, for Maui, and Kahoolawe. 
"The Captain of the schooner, a foreigner, being 
" unable to swim, was put by his Hawaiian wife on an 
oar, and they, too, struck out together for the distant 
shore; but on Monday morning, having survived the 
first night, the captain died; and in the afternoon of the 
same day his wife landed on Kahoolawe. A floating 
hatchway from the wreck gave a chance for life to a 
strong 3^oung man and his brother; but the latter perished 
before the daylight of Monday, while the elder reached 
the island in safety by eight or nine o'clock. A feeble 
boy, without any support, swam the same distance of 
thirty miles, and reached land safely before any of the 
others. Mauae and his wife had each secured a covered 
bucket for a buo}^ and three young men kept them 
company till evening; but all disappeared one after 
another during the night, either bj^ exhaustion or getting 
bewildered and turning another way, or by becoming the 
prey of sharks. 

" Monday morning the faithful pair were found 
alone; and the wife's bucket coming to pieces, she swam 
without anything till the afternoon, when Mauae became 
too weak to go on. The wife stopped and loniiloniicd 
him (a kind of shampooing common here), so that he 
was able to swim again until Kahoolawe was in full 
view. Soon, however, Mauae grew so weary that he 
could not even hold to the bucket; and his faithful wife, 



taking it from him, bade him cling to the long hair of 
her head, while she still hopefully held on, gradually 
Hearing the shore. Her husband's hands, however, 
soon slipped from her hair — too weak to keep their 
hold; and she tried in vain to rouse him to further effort. 
She endeavored, according to the native expression, to 
hoolana kona manao, 'to make his hope swim,' to 
inspire him with confidence by pointing to the land, and 
telling him to pray; but he could only utter a few broken 
petitions. Putting his arms, therefore, around her own 
neck, she held them fast with one hand, and still swam 
vigorously with the other until near nightfall, when 
herself, and her lifeless burden, were within a quarter of 
a mile from the shore. She had now to contend with 
the raging surf, and finding the body of her husband, 
which she had borne so long, stone-dead, she reluctantly 
cast it off, and shortly after reached land. 

" But there she was hardly better off than at sea, 
for long exposure to the brine had so blinded her eyes, 
that it was sometime before she could see; her strength 
was too much spent to travel, and the spot on which she 
landed was barren lava, on the opposite side of the 
island to any settlement. Food and water she must find 
or die. Providentially she obtained the latter in the 
rain that had recently fallen, and that was standing for 
her in the cups of the rocks. Monday night, Tuesday, 
Wednesday and Thursday came and went without relief, 
while she crept on as gradually as she could toward the 
inhabited part of the island. At last, on Friday morn- 
ing, when her manaolana, her swimming hope, that had 
held her so long above the waves, was fast sinking 
with her failing strength, she discovered a water-melon 
vine in fruit. Eating one, ' her eyes were enlightened,' 
like Jonathan's, by the honey; soon after she was found 
by a party of fishermen, by them cared for and con- 
ducted to their village, and the next day tranported by 
canoe to Lahaina, whence the foundered schooner had 
sailed just one week before." 



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